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A2 verb 10 min read

재학하다

jaehakhada
Examples 재학하다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 재학하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't necessarily need to use '재학하다' in your own speech, as '학교에 다녀요' (I go to school) or '학생이에요' (I am a student) are much easier and more common. However, it is good to recognize the root '학' (study), which you also see in '학생' (student) and '학교' (school). Think of '재학하다' as a fancy way to say 'I am a student at...' If you see this word on a form or a website, just remember it means someone is currently a student. At this stage, focus on the fact that it usually follows a school name and the particle '-에'. For example, '서울대학교에 재학해요' is like saying 'I am at Seoul University as a student.'
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At the A2 level, you should start using '재학하다' or its noun form '재학 중' when you want to sound more official. This is the level where you might need to introduce yourself in a more formal setting, like a language exchange or a basic job interview. Instead of just saying '저는 학생입니다,' you can say '저는 대학교에 재학 중입니다.' This shows you have a better grasp of formal vocabulary. You should also be able to understand the difference between '재학' (enrolled) and '졸업' (graduated) on simple forms. Remember the pattern: [School Name] + 에 + 재학하다. It is a stable, non-action verb that describes your current life status.
By B1, you should be comfortable using '재학하다' in various tenses and with more complex grammar. You might use it to describe your past: '고등학교에 재학할 때...' (When I was enrolled in high school...). You should also understand related words like '재학생' (enrolled student) and '재학 증명서' (enrollment certificate). This is the level where you might actually need to request documents in Korean, so knowing '재학' is essential for administrative tasks. You should also know that '재학' cannot be used if you are on a leave of absence (휴학), which is a common topic for B1-level conversations about university life.
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At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance between '재학하다' and its synonyms like '수학하다' or '다니다'. You should be able to use '재학하다' in formal writing, such as a '자기소개서' (self-introduction letter) for a job application. You'll also encounter this word in news articles or social discussions about education. For example, you might read about '재학생 수의 감소' (the decrease in the number of enrolled students). You should be able to use the word in the middle of sentences as a modifier: '연세대학교에 재학 중인 제 친구는...' (My friend, who is currently enrolled at Yonsei University...).
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At the C1 level, '재학하다' is a basic building block for discussing complex socio-economic and educational issues. You should be able to analyze the implications of '재학' status in legal or institutional contexts. For example, discussing how '재학' status affects health insurance, student loans, or visa regulations for international students. You will also see it used in academic papers or official government statistics. You should be able to use the word with advanced particles and endings, such as '재학하고 있음에도 불구하고' (despite being enrolled). You'll also understand the historical and Hanja-based nuances of the word.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native understanding of '재학하다' and its place in the Korean linguistic hierarchy. You can use it in highly formal speeches, legal documents, or literary works. You understand the subtle shift in tone when a speaker chooses '학적을 보유하다' (to hold a school register) over '재학하다' in a formal administrative hearing. You are familiar with all administrative terminology surrounding enrollment, such as '재학 연한' (the maximum period of enrollment allowed). Your usage is precise, and you never confuse it with less formal alternatives in professional settings.
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Examples

재학하다 in 30 Seconds

  • 재학하다 means 'to be enrolled' in a school.
  • It is a formal verb used for official status.
  • Commonly used in the form '재학 중이다' (currently enrolled).
  • It requires the particle '-에' for the school name.

The Korean verb 재학하다 (jaehakhada) is a formal and precise term used to describe the state of being officially enrolled in an educational institution. Derived from the Hanja characters 在 (재 - to exist/be in) and 學 (학 - to study/learning), it literally translates to 'being in the state of study.' While English speakers might simply say 'I go to school' or 'I am a student at,' Korean distinguishes between the physical act of attending school (다니다) and the administrative status of being a registered student (재학하다).

Formal Contexts
You will most frequently encounter this word in official documents, such as a 'Certificate of Enrollment' (재학 증명서), during job interviews, or when introducing yourself in a professional setting. It carries a weight of officiality that the common verb '다니다' lacks.

저는 현재 한국대학교 국어국문학과에 재학하고 있습니다. (I am currently enrolled in the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Hankuk University.)

In the hierarchy of Korean education verbs, 재학하다 sits at the top for administrative accuracy. It is used for all levels of schooling, from elementary school (초등학교) to graduate school (대학원). However, it is most commonly used by university students and above because adult learners are more frequently required to prove their institutional affiliation. In social settings, if someone asks 'What do you do?', responding with '대학교에 재학 중이에요' sounds much more sophisticated than just saying '학생이에요' (I am a student).

Administrative Nuance
The term specifically refers to the period between admission (입학) and graduation (졸업), excluding periods of leave of absence (휴학). If you are taking a break from school, you are no longer '재학 중' even though you haven't graduated yet.

장학금을 받으려면 반드시 해당 학기에 재학해야 합니다. (To receive the scholarship, you must be enrolled during that specific semester.)

Furthermore, the word is often used to define a specific group of people. For example, '재학생' (jaehaksaeng) refers to 'currently enrolled students' as opposed to '졸업생' (jol-eopsaeng, graduates). This distinction is vital in university culture, especially during festivals or student elections where only 재학생 have certain rights or access.

Social Identity
In South Korea, where educational background is a significant part of one's identity, stating where you are '재학' provides immediate social context about your current stage in life and your academic pursuits.

그는 명문대학교에 재학하며 열심히 공부하고 있습니다. (He is studying hard while being enrolled at a prestigious university.)

Using 재학하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior and the particles it pairs with. As an intransitive verb, it primarily takes the particle -에 to indicate the institution one is enrolled in. It is rarely used with '-를/을' because enrollment is a state of being rather than an action performed upon an object.

The '~에 재학하다' Pattern
This is the most standard construction. Example: '서울대학교에 재학하다' (To be enrolled at Seoul National University). The location particle '-에' marks the destination or the institution where the 'existence' (재) of 'study' (학) is happening.

동생은 아직 고등학교에 재학하고 있어요. (My younger sibling is still enrolled in high school.)

Another common variation is using the noun form 재학 중 (jaehak jung), which means 'in the middle of enrollment.' This is often paired with the copula -이다 to form '재학 중이다.' This version is slightly more versatile and is frequently used as an adjectival phrase to describe a person's current status.

In formal writing, such as news reports or academic papers, you might see 재학하다 used in the past tense to describe someone's previous educational history, though '졸업하다' (to graduate) or '출신이다' (to be from) are more common for completed education. However, if the focus is on the period of time spent at the institution, '재학할 당시' (at the time of being enrolled) is a perfect phrase.

Tense and Aspect
Present Progressive (~하고 있다): Used to emphasize current ongoing status. Past Tense (~했다): Used to describe a past state of enrollment. Future Tense (~할 것이다): Used when enrollment is confirmed for the future.

그는 대학교에 재학하던 시절에 아내를 만났습니다. (He met his wife during the time he was enrolled in university.)

When talking about majors or specific departments, you can insert them before the school name or as a separate clause. '컴퓨터공학과에 재학하다' (To be enrolled in the Computer Science department) is a common way to specify what you are studying while emphasizing your institutional status.

Negative Forms
To say someone is not enrolled, you would typically use '재학하고 있지 않다' or '재학 중이 아니다'. This might be used to clarify that a person has either graduated or taken a leave.

저는 지금 어느 학교에도 재학하고 있지 않습니다. (I am not currently enrolled in any school.)

Finally, remember that 재학하다 is an state-oriented verb. It doesn't describe the daily commute or the act of studying itself, but rather the legal and administrative connection between the student and the institution. This makes it distinct from '공부하다' (to study) which describes the activity.

Understanding the context of 재학하다 is key to sounding like a natural speaker. While you might not use it while grabbing coffee with a friend, it is the 'bread and butter' of institutional and professional life in Korea. If you are in Korea as a student, you will hear this word daily in administrative offices.

University Administration
When you go to the registrar's office to get a document, the clerk will ask, '현재 재학 중이신가요?' (Are you currently enrolled?). The '재학 증명서' (Enrollment Certificate) is a document required for everything from getting a student discount at a museum to applying for a part-time job or a visa extension.

학생 할인을 받으려면 재학 증명서를 제출해 주세요. (Please submit an enrollment certificate to receive the student discount.)

In the media, news reports about student demographics or campus issues will invariably use '재학생' to refer to the student body. For instance, a headline might read, '재학생 80%가 등록금 인상에 반대한다' (80% of enrolled students oppose the tuition increase). It provides a statistical and demographic clarity that '학생' (student) alone might lack in a professional report.

Job Market and Resumes
When applying for internships or entry-level positions, job portals will have a status field where you must select between '재학' (enrolled), '휴학' (on leave), '졸업 예정' (expected to graduate), or '졸업' (graduated). This terminology is standardized across all Korean HR systems.

지원 자격: 4년제 대학교 재학생 및 휴학생. (Application Eligibility: Currently enrolled students or students on leave from 4-year universities.)

Even in K-Dramas, particularly those set in high schools or universities, you might hear a teacher or professor talking about a student's '재학 기간' (period of enrollment) when discussing their academic record. It adds a layer of realism to the bureaucratic side of school life depicted on screen.

Online Communities
On apps like 'Everytime' (a popular campus app in Korea), users often have to verify their identity as a '재학생' to access specific university forums. This '재학 인증' (enrollment verification) process is a rite of passage for Korean college students.

커뮤니티 이용을 위해 재학 인증을 완료해 주세요. (Please complete the enrollment verification to use the community.)

While 재학하다 seems straightforward, English speakers often trip up on its specific administrative boundaries and how it differs from similar verbs. The most common error is using it as a direct substitute for 'to study' or 'to go to school' in casual conversation.

Mistake 1: Confusing it with '공부하다' (To Study)
In English, 'I am studying at Harvard' can mean both 'I am enrolled' and 'I am currently hitting the books.' In Korean, '재학하다' ONLY means you are on the registry. You cannot say '도서관에서 재학하고 있어요' (I am enrolling in the library). You must use '공부하고 있어요' for the action of studying.

Wrong: 어제 집에서 재학했어요. (I enrolled at home yesterday - makes no sense). Correct: 어제 집에서 공부했어요.

Another common pitfall is the confusion between 재학하다 and 입학하다 (to enter/enroll for the first time). '입학하다' is a one-time event—the act of starting school. '재학하다' is the ongoing state that follows that event. If you say '저는 작년에 재학했어요', it sounds like you were enrolled last year but might not be now. If you mean you started last year, use '입학했어요'.

Mistake 2: Using the wrong particle
Learners often try to use '-를/을' (object particle) with '재학하다'. Because it describes a state of being *at* a place, you must use '-에'. Saying '대학교를 재학하다' is grammatically awkward, though you might hear it in very rare, specific poetic contexts (but avoid it!).

Correct: 대학교에 재학하다. Incorrect: 대학교를 재학하다.

Finally, be careful with the 'leave of absence' (휴학) status. In many Western cultures, if you take a semester off, you might still say 'I'm a student at X.' In Korea, the moment you '휴학하다', your status changes from '재학' to '휴학'. If you tell a Korean administrative officer you are '재학 중' when you are actually on a '휴학' break, it can lead to serious paperwork errors.

Mistake 3: Over-formalization
Don't use '재학하다' when talking to children or about very young kids in preschool. For them, simply '유치원 다녀요' (goes to kindergarten) is the standard. '재학' starts feeling appropriate around middle school and becomes the norm for university.

Awkward: 우리 아기는 어린이집에 재학하고 있어요. (Sounds like the baby is a formal academic official). Better: 우리 아기는 어린이집에 다녀요.

To master Korean, you need to know which 'student' verb to pick from the toolbox. 재학하다 is the formal choice, but several others orbit around it with different nuances. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and whether you are focusing on the act of going, the act of studying, or the official status.

재학하다 vs 다니다 (The Formal vs Casual)
'다니다' means 'to attend' or 'to go regularly.' It is the most common way to say you are a student in daily life. '재학하다' is the paperwork version. Use '다니다' with friends; use '재학하다' in an interview.

Comparison: '나 대학 다녀' (I go to college - Casual) vs '본인은 현재 대학교에 재학 중입니다' (I am currently enrolled in university - Formal).

Another synonym is 수학하다 (suhakhada). This is an extremely formal, almost archaic or academic term meaning 'to pursue studies.' You will see this in very high-level academic biographies or graduation speeches. It focuses on the intellectual pursuit rather than the administrative enrollment.

재학하다 vs 수학하다
'재학' is about 'where you are registered.' '수학' is about 'the knowledge you are acquiring.' You '재학' at a university to '수학' science.

그는 해외에서 학문을 수학하고 돌아왔습니다. (He returned after pursuing his studies abroad.)

There is also 학적을 두다 (hakjeogeul duda), which literally means 'to keep one's school register.' This is a very technical way to say you are enrolled, often used when someone is technically a student but perhaps not attending classes (like during a research period). It is the most bureaucratic way to express enrollment.

Comparison Table
  • 다니다: Daily use, emphasizes going to school.
  • 재학하다: Formal/Administrative, emphasizes enrollment status.
  • 입학하다: The start of enrollment (to enter).
  • 수학하다: High-level academic, emphasizes the act of learning.

졸업 후에도 모교에 재학 시절의 추억이 많이 남습니다. (Even after graduation, many memories of the time when I was enrolled at my alma mater remain.)

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Examples by Level

1

저는 대학교에 재학하고 있어요.

I am enrolled in university.

Present progressive '-고 있다' is used with '재학하다'.

2

제 동생은 고등학교에 재학해요.

My younger sibling is enrolled in high school.

Standard present tense '-아요/어요' ending.

3

어느 학교에 재학하고 있습니까?

Which school are you enrolled in?

Formal question ending '-습니까?'.

4

저는 지금 한국에 있는 대학교에 재학해요.

I am currently enrolled in a university in Korea.

Locative particle '-에 있는' modifies the noun.

5

우리 언니는 대학원에 재학 중이에요.

My older sister is in graduate school.

'재학 중' is a common noun phrase meaning 'currently enrolled'.

6

그는 초등학교에 재학하고 있습니다.

He is enrolled in elementary school.

Formal polite ending '-습니다'.

7

친구는 미국 대학교에 재학해요.

My friend is enrolled in an American university.

School name comes before the particle '-에'.

8

저는 아직 학교에 재학하고 있어요.

I am still enrolled in school.

'아직' (still) emphasizes the ongoing status.

1

저는 현재 서울대학교에 재학 중인 학생입니다.

I am a student currently enrolled at Seoul National University.

'재학 중인' is an adjective form modifying '학생'.

2

재학 증명서가 필요하세요?

Do you need an enrollment certificate?

'재학 증명서' is a compound noun.

3

그녀는 3년째 이 학교에 재학하고 있습니다.

She has been enrolled in this school for three years.

'-째' indicates a duration of time.

4

외국인 학생들도 이 대학교에 재학할 수 있나요?

Can foreign students also enroll in this university?

'-ㄹ 수 있다' expresses possibility.

5

저는 경영학과에 재학하고 싶어요.

I want to be enrolled in the Business department.

'-고 싶다' expresses desire.

6

재학 기간 동안 열심히 공부했습니다.

I studied hard during my enrollment period.

'동안' means 'during' or 'for a period of time'.

7

그는 고등학교에 재학하면서 아르바이트를 해요.

He works a part-time job while enrolled in high school.

'-면서' indicates two actions happening simultaneously.

8

우리는 같은 대학교에 재학하고 있어요.

We are enrolled in the same university.

'같은' means 'the same'.

1

재학 중에는 군대에 갈 수 없습니다.

You cannot go to the military while you are enrolled (in certain contexts).

'-에는' emphasizes the condition of the timeframe.

2

대학교에 재학할 당시에 저는 아주 바빴어요.

At the time I was enrolled in university, I was very busy.

'~ㄹ 당시에' means 'at the time of'.

3

그는 휴학을 마치고 다시 재학하고 있습니다.

He finished his leave of absence and is enrolled again.

'다시' (again) indicates a return to the status.

4

장학금은 재학생에게만 지급됩니다.

Scholarships are only given to enrolled students.

'재학생' is a noun for 'enrolled student'.

5

저는 4학년으로 대학교에 재학 중입니다.

I am enrolled in university as a senior (4th year).

'-으로' indicates status or rank.

6

재학 사실을 확인하기 위해 학생증을 보여주세요.

Please show your student ID to verify your enrollment status.

'~기 위해' means 'in order to'.

7

그녀는 명문대에 재학하며 꿈을 키우고 있습니다.

She is nurturing her dreams while enrolled at a prestigious university.

'-며' is a formal version of '-면서'.

8

재학 중인 학교의 이름을 말씀해 주시겠어요?

Could you tell me the name of the school you are enrolled in?

Polite request form '-어 주시겠어요?'.

1

재학 기간이 8년을 초과하면 제적될 수 있습니다.

If the enrollment period exceeds 8 years, you may be expelled.

'초과하면' means 'if it exceeds'.

2

이 프로그램은 재학생과 졸업생 모두 참여 가능합니다.

Both enrolled students and graduates can participate in this program.

'모두' means 'all/both'.

3

그는 학비 마련을 위해 재학 중에 일을 병행했습니다.

He worked while being enrolled to provide for his tuition.

'병행하다' means 'to do simultaneously'.

4

재학 여부는 온라인 시스템을 통해 확인 가능합니다.

Enrollment status can be verified through the online system.

'여부' means 'whether or not'.

5

그는 대학원에 재학하면서 여러 편의 논문을 발표했다.

While enrolled in graduate school, he published several papers.

'여러 편' is a counter for papers/articles.

6

재학 중인 학생들은 도서관을 24시간 이용할 수 있다.

Students who are enrolled can use the library 24 hours a day.

Plain style '-ㄴ다' used in reports/facts.

7

그는 재학 시절부터 창업에 관심이 많았습니다.

He has been interested in starting a business since his enrollment days.

'~시절부터' means 'since the time of'.

8

재학 기간을 연장하려면 지도 교수의 승인이 필요합니다.

To extend the enrollment period, you need the advisor's approval.

'연장하려면' means 'if you want to extend'.

1

재학 중인 학생의 권익을 보호하기 위한 법안이 발의되었습니다.

A bill was proposed to protect the rights and interests of enrolled students.

'권익' refers to 'rights and interests'.

2

해당 대학에 재학하고 있다는 사실만으로도 큰 자부심을 느낍니다.

I feel great pride just from the fact that I am enrolled in that university.

'~ㄴ다는 사실만으로도' means 'just by the fact that'.

3

재학 연한 만료로 인해 학위 취득이 어려워질 수도 있습니다.

Due to the expiration of the enrollment period, obtaining a degree may become difficult.

'만료' means 'expiration'.

4

그는 재학 중 발생한 사고에 대해 학교 측에 보상을 요구했다.

He demanded compensation from the school for an accident that occurred while he was enrolled.

'측' indicates a side or party in a discussion.

5

재학생들의 창의적 활동을 지원하기 위해 센터가 설립되었다.

A center was established to support the creative activities of enrolled students.

'설립되었다' is the passive form of 'to establish'.

6

학기 중에 재학 상태를 유지하지 않으면 장학금이 취소됩니다.

The scholarship will be canceled if you do not maintain your enrollment status during the semester.

'상태를 유지하다' means 'to maintain a state'.

7

그는 재학 시절의 경험을 바탕으로 소설을 집필했습니다.

He wrote a novel based on his experiences during his enrollment days.

'~을 바탕으로' means 'based on'.

8

재학 중인 외국인 유학생들을 위한 한국어 교육 프로그램이 확충되었다.

Korean language education programs for enrolled international students have been expanded.

'확충되었다' means 'was expanded/augmented'.

1

재학 중인 학생의 학적 변동 사항은 즉각 전산망에 반영되어야 한다.

Changes in the school register of enrolled students must be immediately reflected in the computer network.

'학적 변동' refers to changes in enrollment status.

2

그는 재학 기간 내내 수석을 놓치지 않은 수재로 통했다.

Throughout his enrollment, he was known as a genius who never missed being top of his class.

'~로 통하다' means 'to be known as'.

3

재학 사실의 허위 기재는 입학 취소 사유가 될 수 있음을 명심하십시오.

Please keep in mind that false entry of enrollment facts can be grounds for admission cancellation.

'허위 기재' means 'false entry/record'.

4

본교에 재학하고 있는 모든 학생은 학칙을 준수할 의무가 있습니다.

Every student enrolled at this school has an obligation to comply with the school regulations.

'준수할 의무' means 'obligation to comply'.

5

재학 중인 대학생들의 정치적 참여가 사회 변혁의 단초가 되기도 한다.

The political participation of enrolled college students sometimes serves as a starting point for social transformation.

'단초' means 'clue' or 'starting point'.

6

재학 기간의 연장은 단순히 개인의 선택이 아닌 제도적 틀 안에서 이루어진다.

The extension of the enrollment period is not simply an individual choice but occurs within an institutional framework.

'제도적 틀' means 'institutional framework'.

7

재학생과 휴학생 사이의 보이지 않는 신분적 차이가 존재한다는 지적이 있다.

There are points made that an invisible status difference exists between enrolled students and those on leave.

'지적이 있다' means 'it is pointed out that'.

8

그는 재학 시절에 겪은 고뇌를 철학적 사유로 승화시켰다.

He sublimated the agony he experienced during his enrollment into philosophical thought.

'승화시켰다' means 'sublimated'.

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